Graham Chapman Movies
While attending Cambridge University, Leicester-born Graham Chapman met and befriended fellow student John Cleese. Sharing a keen sense of the ridiculous, Chapman and Cleese formed a writing/performing team, contributing scripts to a variety of BBC radio and TV shows, most notably Doctor in the House. They also wrote for such satirical films as The Magic Christian (1969) and Rentadick (1972). In 1969, Chapman and Cleese formed the Monty Python comedy troupe, which led to the matchless TV comedy-sketch series Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969-1974). Because he came closest to resembling a film star, the Pythons cast Chapman in the leading roles of their film projects Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) and The Life of Brian (1978); in the latter film, Chapman scored as an "alternate Messiah" who ended his life on the Cross while singing an insipid cheer-up song. On his own, Graham Chapman was not quite as successful as he'd been in the company of fellow Pythons Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Terry Gilian, though he did publish a moderately successful 1981 memoir, A Liar's Autobiography. After co-scripting and co-starring in the all-star "comedy salad" Yellowbeard (1983), Graham Chapman died of spinal and throat cancer; he was only 48. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2005
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Few television comedy programs have had the enduring success of the legendary Monty Python show. Now fans of the surrealist sketch comedy series can find all of Eric Idle's best moments from the influential series in one place thanks to this Python-approved release from A&E Home Entertainment. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1990
This 56-minute video celebrates 25 years' worth of inspired lunacy from Britain's Monty Python's Flying Circus. Loyal Pythonites John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam are interviewed, offering surprisingly sobersided insight as to what made their zany aggregation tick. Highlights include vintage clips from the Monty Python TV series, as well as vignettes from the group's theatrical features and concert appearances. As a bonus, we are treated to rare vignettes never before shown on American television. If you've never been exposed to such classic routines as "Dead Parrot", "Lumberjack" and "Department of Silly Walks", don't pass up this opportunity. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
This is a retrospective of the British comedy troupe on their 20th anniversary. Hosted by comedian Steve Martin, many of the group's most famous routines are showcased. Included are such gems as the Spam diner, the lingerie-clad lumberjacks, and the officials from the Ministry of Silly Walks. ~ Brian Gusse, All Movie Guide
- 1987
Still Crazy Like a Fox was a 1987 TV-movie effort to revive the lighthearted detective series originally telecast in 1984-86. Jack Warden is back as eccentric detective Harry Fox, with John Rubinstein as his conservative lawyer son Harrison. Father and son are lifted from their natural San Francisco habitat and sent on a vacation in England. While in London, Harry spots a man in the act of stealing. But the man is the above-reproach Duke of Kent (James Faulkner), and Harry's accusations are ignored. When the Duke is murdered, Harry goes to the head of the suspect list. Costarring in Still Crazy Like a Fox is British comic actor Graham (Monty Python) Chapman as Harry's dyspeptic Scotland Yard antagonist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Warden, John Rubinstein, (more)
- 1984
The Secret Policeman's Private Parts, the second of two concert films produced on behalf of Amnesty International, is better photographed than the first (The Secret Policeman's Other Ball) but not quite as enjoyable. As in the earlier film, the show is stolen by the Monty Python aggregation: John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam. Also on hand are former Beyond the Fringe-er Peter Cook and musicians Pete Townshend, Phil Collins and Donovan. Fans of the artists will probably get a bigger kick out of Private Parts than casual moviegoers. Like Other Ball, Private Parts fully deserves its R rating. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
In this dark British comedy, a despondent businessman (Graham Chapman) decides to end it all after his wife leaves him. Unfortunately, he lacks the courage to do it to himself and so hires a professional assassin, telling him to do the deed no matter what. A short time passes and things look considerably brighter for the businessman who suddenly decides he wants to live. Unfortunately, nothing he says can convince his would be killer to stop his pursuit, and comic mayhem ensues. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Graham Chapman, David Jason, (more)
- 1973
Originally broadcast December 5, 1974, "Party Political Broadcast" was the final episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus. The broadcast in question features the "Worst Family in Britain" finals, with the grotesque Garibaldis placing third despite strong support from the Liberal Party. An Icelandic Honey Seller explains why he is selling something that can't be found in Iceland. A doctor promises to save his patient's life in exchange for history-quiz answers. Mrs. Long-Name learns how to finish her sentences, enabling her to host a program starring Richard Attenborough. A camera crew literally chases after the Walking Trees of Dahomey, while the dreaded Batsmen of the Kalahari do battle against the Warwickshire team. And Neil Innes plays the "Liberty Bell March" on the one-handed guitar. Joining the regular Pythonites on their TV-series swan song are Carol Cleveland, Bob E. Raymond and Peter Brett. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
In this episode, England is held in thrall by Mr. Neutron, the deadliest man in the world. As Mr. Neutron enjoys the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Entrail, the Federal Egg Answering Room (F.E.A.R) tries to ascertain Neutron's whereabouts. The only man capable of saving humanity is Teddy Salad, who is somewhere in the Yukon, breeding rabbits. Captain Carpenter discovers that Teddy is posing as a sled dog, and lures him away with a pretty bone. The naked Supreme Commander declares all-out war on Neutron by bombing the wrong cities. By the time Neutron is finished, the only city left standing is Ruislip in the Gobi Desert, and Neutron's sweetheart Mrs. S.C.U.M. has been elected the most beautiful woman in the world by default. One of the few Monty Python's Flying Circus programs to feature a single sustained sketch, "Mr. Neutron" first aired November 28, 1974. In addition to the supporting appearances of Carol Cleveland, Bob E. Raymond, and Sloopy the Dog, the show was to have featured the song stylings of Neil Innes, but time unfortunately ran out. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
In this episode, Alex Diamond runs over two singing tramps while en route to lumbago specialist Dr. Emile Koning. Next door to the doctor, Rear Admiral Humphrey DeVere recalls an incident in WW2, in which London was bombed by cabbage crates and attacked by troops bearing wands and wearing tutus. The court-martial of officer Sappy Walters is interrupted by a rendition of "Anything Goes", by a "different Cole Porter." Typical TV viewer Mrs. Elizabeth III sets out to prove that she's an idiot -- as is the rest of the BBC viewership for watching the previous sketch and a film of the M4 Motorway. Back in 1942, Mansfield Vermin-Jones calms his frightened daughter by avoiding "woody and tinny words." And a woman on horseback jumps over the casts of The Sound of Music and Ben-Hur, as the Germans surrender to cheap sentiment and Neil Innes music. Featuring Carol Cleveland, Bob E. Raymond, and Marion Mould, "The Light Entertainment War" was first seen on November 14, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
In this episode, Hamlet visits a psychiatrist and confesses that he's always wanted to be a private detective. The Melancholy Dane's sexual hang-ups are dissected by two bogus shrinks, at which point Dr. Bruce Genuine saves the day. The comfy chair used by the host of "Nationwide" is identified as having been stolen from Mrs. Edgeworth. A bride's father shares a bed with his daughter and her husband for the purpose of building a model ship. In "Boxing Tonight," the fight ends when the champ loses his head and arms, just as he'd done in the past six bouts. Mrs. Gorilla, Mrs. Non-Gorilla, and Mrs. Non-Smoker try to watch a soap opera, but end up spouting Shakespeare instead. And a visit to Polonius' House leads to an on-the-spot report from the Queen Victoria Handicap, with eight Queen Victorias in competition. First broadcast November 21, 1974, "Hamlet" features Carol Cleveland, Connie Booth, Jimmy Hill, Bob E. Raymond, and K.Joseph. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
The fourth and final season of Monty Python's Flying Circus was launched on October 31, 1974, with the episode titled "The Golden Age of Ballooning." The Montgolfier Brothers develop a lighter-than-air craft with the reluctant assistance of Joseph Montgolfier's fiancée Antoinette, who makes a very lovely gondola. Louis XIV shows up in 1783, oblivious to the fact that he's been dead since 1717. Pioneer British aerialist Sir Charles Dividends shows up on a talk show with Lord Interest and King George III, who is then serenaded by the Ronettes (their song, "King George the Third," was written by Neil Innes, who later collaborated with Eric Idle on The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash). Ferdinand Von Zeppelin inflates his brother Benny, while the bodies of failed aviators drop into the living room of Helmut and Holweig. Carol Cleveland, Peter Brett, Frank Lester, Bob E. Raymond, and Stenson Falke make guest appearances, but John Cleese is conspicuous by his absence, as he would be in the five remaining "Python" installments. A severely edited version of "The Golden Age of Ballooning" was seen in America on ABC in the Summer of 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
In this episode, Chris Quinn enters a department store and demands to buy an ant named Marcus. When Chris goes home, his mum informs him that Michael Ellis -- for whom he has been repeatedly mistaken -- has been looking for him. On his own, Chris attends a poetry reading, in which Wordsworth, Shelley, and Keats dedicate their poems to ants not named Marcus. His next stop is Toupee Hall, where a faulty flame-thrower left over from the first sketch wreaks havoc. Just before entering the End of the Show Department, Chris is informed that Michael Ellis Week is over, and Chris Quinn Week has begun. Featuring Carol Cleveland and John Hughman, "Michael Ellis" is made up of unused material from the theatrical feature Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The episode first aired November 7, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
As they had done in the summer of 1972, the cast of Monty Python's Flying Circus appeared on a 50-minute special for German television in October of 1973. Highlights of "Monty Python Bloeden fur Deutschland" include a visit with Superbutcher!, a profile of famed mice and fish preserver Frank Tutankhamun, a hearing-aid sketch, a fairy story about Happy Valley's King Otto ("Ya de buckety rum ting poo") and Princess Mitzi Gaynor...and best of all, the "International Philosophy Tournament," featuring German and Greek Philosophers squaring off in a football game (Nietzche was disqualified for arguing with referee Confucius). Unlike the first German "Python" special, this one received a British TV screening on BBC2. Excerpts of "Monty Python Bloeden fur Deutschland" appeared in America, courtesy of the Comedy Central cable network, some 25 years after the original telecast. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
Sometime between seasons two and three of Monty Python's Flying Circus, the series' cast appeared in a 50-minute special that aired exclusively on German television. Popularly known as "Monty Python in Deutschland," this filmed special consisted almost entirely of new material, save for a sketch in which "Colin 'Bomber' Harris'" wrestles with himself. Other bits included a running gag involving an Olympic torch runner, an interview with a Frenchman who had been to the toilet only once in five years (a fact confirmed by such celebrities as Richard Nixon and the Pope), an all-cow version of The Merchant of Venice, and a "traditionally" violent bill of fare at a Bavarian restaurant. According to the late Graham Chapman, the special aired opposite an English-German football match, leaving the Pythonites with an audience comprised entirely of critics. Even so, "Monty Python in Deutschland" was successful enough to warrant a sequel in 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
A collection of English humor in the form of sketch film are provided on this film which was assisted by comedians Feldman and Chapman. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bruce Forsyth, Joan Sims, (more)
- 1970
Neither Lady Mountbank nor Reg the Miller were expecting the Spanish Inquisition. In fact, in the words of Cardinal Ximenez, " Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!" -- nor do they expect to be tortured with a dishwashing rack or the dreaded Comfy Chair. Meanwhile, Reg answers a door and welcomes in a joke salesman, only to suffer mightily for failing to provide a punch line. A huge tax is levied on "thingy," prompting Mr. Gumby to request more sketches on taxation. Twentieth Century Vole unveils its latest epic, "Semaphore Version of Wuthering Heights." And a judge performs charades while sentencing a man to burn at the stake -- and he didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition, either. This landmark episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus featured Carol Cleveland and Marjorie Wilde in the supporting cast, and was first broadcast September 22, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
"Liberty Bell March" is replaced with "God Save the Queen" as the series' theme music, in anticipation of an expected visit from the Queen sometime during the episode. A bitter coal-mine strike is sparked by an argument over the Treaty of Utrecht and Greek Architecture. Mr. Pudifoot appears on "Toad Elevating Moment," refusing to come to the point. "Fish Club" elicits suggestions from the Board of Irresponsible People. Herbert Mental steals eggs from birdwatchers, then stages a pigeon fanciers' race through Trafalgar Square. A doctor leads a group of severely crippled patients through a military close-order drill. The men of the 14th Marine Command star in a production of "The Naughtiest Girl in School," followed by a reenactment of the Battle of Normandy by the girls of Oakdean High School. And a series of cannibalism jokes is interrupted by the disgusted studio audience. Carol Cleveland makes another of her many guest appearances in "Royal Episode 13," originally telecast December 23, 1970, as the final episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus' second season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Using archeological evidence, the titular Mr. Norris attempts to prove that the residents of Hounslow may have emigrated from Surbiton. The hosts of the kiddie show "How to Do It" demonstrate how to cure every disease known to man, and incidentally how to play the flute. "Farming Club" presents the life of Tchaikovsky, using a huge model of the composer's body. The star of Chekhov's The Seagull loses enough weight to appear in a miniature production of The Great Escape. Two men perform the traditional Fish-Slapping Dance, followed by the evacuation of the Titanic, with the crew adopting a variety of costumes -- Indians, spacemen, Flemish Merchants -- to qualify for entering the lifeboats. Two Famous People show up just in time for the closing credits, while Julia Breck also makes a fleeting appearance. "Mr. and Mrs. Brian Norris' Ford Popular" first aired October 26, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
After an absence of nearly two years, Monty Python's Flying Circus returned to the BBC on October 19, 1972. The first episode of the new season, "Whicker's World," begins with part one of "Njorl's Saga," a thrilling Icelandic saga that, for various reasons, never seems to get off the ground. Interruptions include the trial of a man accused of killing 20 people "on or about the morning of December 19, 1971," a nonsensical stock market report, and Mrs. Premise and Mrs. Conclusion's visit to Mr. Jean-Paul and Mrs. Betty-Muriel Sartre. Also seen is a remote island inhabited by former TV interviewers who pass the time by jockeying for camera position. Featured in the cast of "Whicker's World" are Mrs. Idle, Connie Booth, Rita Davies, Nigel Jones, and Frank Williams. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Several cineastes report from the set of Scott of the Antarctic, where inebriated director James McRettin holds court over actors who can't remember their lines and who stand on flimsy boxes. After numerous setbacks, the film's title is changed to Scott of the Sahara. At long last, the opening Monty Python credits are shown, followed by Eric Praline's attempt to secure a license for his pet fish. A soccer match is held between the Bournemouth Gynecologists and the Watford Long John Silver Impersonators. And in answer to numerous requests, perennial guest star Carol Cleveland appears topless. "Scott of the Antarctic" originally aired December 2, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Among the body parts identified are the Foot, the Other Foot, the Shoulder, Just Above the Elbow, Margaret Thatcher's Brain, and several Naughty Bits (including those of Reginald Maulding). The faculty members of the University of Woolamaloo perform "The Philosophers' Song." Sir Adrian Furrows is revealed to have a polystyrene nose. The menace of the Killer Cats is thwarted by the invasion of the Gigantic Killer Cats. The death of Mary Queen of Scots is broadcast to a nationwide audience, resulting in an exploding radio (the TV also explodes thanks to a booby-trapped penguin). And while investigating a burglary (or is it a murder?), Chief Inspector Zatapatique performs the contest-winning song "Bing Tiddle Tiddle Bong." First telecast November 25, 1970, "How to Recognize Different Parts of the Body" features an honor roll of Python supporting players, including Carol Cleveland and The Fred Tomlinson Singers (of "The Lumberjack Song" fame). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Yes, this is the episode which features the rousing production number "The Spam Song," performed by a chorus of Vikings. But wait, there's more. A Hungarian tourist, armed with such helpful English phrases as "My hovercraft is full of eels" and "Drop your panties, Sir William, I cannot wait until lunchtime" pays a visit to a London tobacconist. The publisher of the tourist's highly unreliable English-Hungarian phrasebook is put on trial, with testimony provided by a topless girl. Karl Marx, Che Guevara, and Mao Tse-Tung are quizzed on their football knowledge. Production on a WWI film is held up until all the unnecessary actors are removed. Two art critics discuss important matters with figures from famous paintings. A clergyman is interred in the Royal Hospital for Overacting. And D.P. Gumby arranges flowers. An episode with everything but the kitchen sink, "Spam" was originally broadcast December 16, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
An advertising executive comes up with the sure-fire slogan "Conquistador Coffee brings a new meaning to the word 'vomit.'" British prime minister Ramsey MacDonald strips down to bra and panties. Mr. Bee trades everything he owns, including his secretary, for a job -- or at least a biscuit. The self-same secretary is saved from International Communism by Uncle Sam and a toothpaste commercial. An excerpt from the play It All Happened on the 11:20 From Hainault is performed, while in another theatrical event, the entire cast sports foot-long front teeth (and let us not forget the works of Gavin Millarrrr). Several archbishops demonstrate the modern methods of conversion, segueing into an endorsement of Cartoon Religions. And a screening of the Government service film "How Not to Be Seen" concludes with a performance by Jackie Charleton and the Tonettes. First telecast December 9, 1970, "How Not to be Seen" features the ineluctable Carol Cleveland. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
The School Prize Awards are interrupted by two men, both claiming to be the Bishop of East Anglia. The director of the 30-second version of 2001: A Space Odyssey and the 10-second version of Rear Window is interviewed. The president of the Board of Trade is tossed in a lake, while Dame Irene Stoat is skewered by a samurai sword during a poetry recitation. The Book of the Month Club delivers a free dead Indian and the M-4 Motorway. TV host Timmy Williams cheerily goads Nigel Watt into suicide. A marriage-license registrar sets his cap for three male clients. And election night results are posted for the Silly Party, the Slightly Silly Party, the Very Silly Party, and the Sensible Party, as candidates Jethroe Q. Walrustitty and Tarquin Fintimlinbinwhinbimlimbus-stop F'Tang-F'Tang-Ole-Biscuit Barrel await the final returns. Originally telecast November 3, 1970, "School Prizes" features Rita Davies and Ian Davidson in the supporting cast. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
